Get ready to ring in the holidays in Port Townsend.
“Look Here First!” for holiday experiences—from shopping and dining to magical events, Port Townsend is the place to celebrate the season. Port Townsend has gifts covered–there are thousands of great gifts available right here in our historic seaport and arts community. The public is invited to “Look Here First” for one-of-a-kind, imaginative gift ideas.
November 13-14, Key City Public Theatre Dinner Theatre featuring 2 Across by Jerry Mayer. A charming, character driven comedy set aboard a San Francisco BART train, starring Crystal Eisele and Michael Vicha. Every ticket comes with a four-course San Francisco-inspired meal designed by the talented Alchemy staff, 842 Washington Street.
November 24, Thanksgiving at the Fort, buffet style dinner at the Commons from 11 am – 3 pm and turkey dinner specials at Taps from 4 pm – 8 pm.
November 25, Black Friday— “Look Here First” campaign kick-off. Let the shopping begin!
November 26, Main Street Small Business Saturday & Merchant Holiday Open House!
Celebrate local businesses at this nation-wide event. See more at “About Small Business Saturday” americanexpress.com. Caroling in the streets with the Wild Rose Chorale Uptown and Downtown from 2-4 pm, in-store treats, many shops open later til 7 pm. Have fun shopping and dining in town!
November 26, “Look Here First” Merchant Holiday Window Contest winners announced.
November 28-December 12, 3rd Annual Port Townsend Paper Kraft Tree Decorating Contest. Pick up your tree and entry form at Aldrich’s Market, Henery Hardware, Port Townsend Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center or Hadlock Building Supply.
November 30-December 30, Wednesdays – Sundays, “Spirit of the Yule,” a new holiday musical, is Port Townsend’s own Christmas Carol by Linda Dowdell and Denies Winter. KeyCityPublicTheatre.org
December 3, Main Street Treelighting Celebration and Santa Visit
There’s caroling in the streets with the Wild Rose Chorale from 1 to 3 pm, in-store refreshments and many shops will be open later. Come to Haller Fountain for the annual Community treelighting and Santa visit at 4:30 pm. Port Townsend school children created dozens of hand-made ornaments for the tree. Santa arrives by the Kiwanis Choo Choo Train to light the community tree. After the Treelighting, Santa visits with children at The Cotton Building, 607 Water Street.
December 3, First Saturday Art Walk hosted in galleries and stores. Great holiday gift ideas made by local artists. Enjoy refreshments and shop for artistic gifts you won’t find anywhere else.
December 10, Main Street/Kiwanis Choo Choo Rides for Families 1-4 pm; suggested donation of $5 per person benefits the arts in the schools program.
December 17, Yuletide Ball from 8 pm – 11 pm. Father Christmas will be on hand, along with plenty of mistletoe at the American Legion. Coordinated by Olympic Peninsula Steam vicfest.org.
December 17, Open Parlor Tours: Beautiful B&B’s, historical hotels and homes of Port Townsend with their halls bedecked for the holidays. Self-guided tours run 1-3 pm. Enjoy seasonal music and tasty treats. Tickets are $15. Details at vicfest.org
December 17, Main Street/Kiwanis Choo Choo Rides for Families, 1-4 pm; suggested donation of $5 per person benefits the arts in the schools program.
December 31, First Night Celebration coordinated by the Jefferson County Historical Society (jchsmuseum.org) – Free all ages, alcohol-free event on New Year’s Eve featuring live music, children’s activities and the dropping of the anchor to ring in the new year.
December 31, New Year’s Eve celebration at the Fort Worden Commons fortworden.org
January 1, 2017 New Year’s Day Brunch at the Fort Worden Commons fortworden.org